The NSW Police Force will welcome 199 new probationary constables and farewell a retiring Assistant Commissioner at a ceremony at the Police Academy in Goulburn today (Friday 8 December 2017), NSW Police say.
‘Class 332’ includes 150 policemen and 49 policewomen who will complete 12 months on-the-job training and study of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the recruits will experience all facets of policing over the next 12 months.
"The latest recruits have worked hard to stand here today and they can expect to be challenged every day with a rewarding and constantly changing career," Commissioner Fuller said.
"I welcome the new officers and wish them the very best as they start work in their new communities," Commissioner Fuller said.
Commissioner Fuller will be joined by the Governor of NSW, His Excellency General, The Honourable David Hurley AC, to inspect the new recruits on the parade ground.
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services, Troy Grant MP, was also in attendance to see the new recruits off the parade ground.
"On behalf of the NSW Government, I congratulate each and every member of ‘Class 332’ on attesting today, and thank them for their commitment to community safety," Minister Grant said.
"I am confident our NSW Police family will be there to encourage and support our newest recruits as they embark on the next stage of their careers."
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable and report to their new stations for work on Monday (11 December 2017).
The ceremony will also see Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch APM march off the parade ground to the salute of Commissioner Fuller.
Assistant Commissioner Murdoch is retiring after 37 years in the NSW Police Force.
RETIRING OFFICER BIO
Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch APM
37 years of distinguished service
Assistant Commissioner Murdoch APM joined the NSW Police Force as a trainee in 1980. His first posting was to No. 15 division at Maroubra Police Station as a general duties officer, before he commenced criminal investigations in 1984 and was designated as a detective 1986.
Between 1986 and 1996, he worked at numerous specialist squads at the Criminal Investigation Branch and the Region Crime Squad South. Following this, he transferred to Waverley where he was promoted to inspector in 1999.
He was attached to the Olympic Security Command Centre between September 1999 and October 2000 where he was appointed the venue commander for the Olympic Beach Volleyball event at Bondi Beach.
In 2004 he was appointed to superintendent and in 2009 he was appointed Assistant Commissioner where he assumed command of Southern Region and in 2010 he was appointed Central Metropolitan Region Commander where he was also the Domestic and Family Violence Corporate Sponsor. In 2014, he worked as the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander until his retirement last month.
Throughout his distinguished career, Assistant Commissioner Murdoch was awarded the Australian Police Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Medal and 2nd clasp, NSW Police Medal with 5th clasp, NSW Police Commissioners Commendation for Service, NSW Police Commissioners Olympic Commendation, NSW Police Commissioners Olympic Citation, NSW Police Commissioners Unit Citation with 1st clasp, and NSW Police Commissioners Sesquicentenary Citation.
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT ‘CLASS 332’
A total of 199 new recruits are being sworn in today.
The class comprises 150 policemen and 49 policewomen.
They will then complete 12 months on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University. They officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.
Of the probationary constables attesting today, 177 were born in Australia and 22 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include South Africa, Wales, the United States of America, North Korea, Slovakia, South Korea, Italy, New Zealand, Afghanistan, China and Austria.
There are also students in ‘Class 332’ who speak a language other than English, including Korean, Turkish, Croatian, Vietnamese, and Dari.
Among those attesting today, nine probationary constables identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.
The youngest recruits are nine 20-year-olds and the oldest is a 50-year-old man. Age statistics include:
- Nine are 19-20
- 105 are aged 21-25
- 44 are aged 26-30
- 29 are aged 31-35
- Nine are aged 36-40
- Three are aged 40+
For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Local Area Command on Monday 11 December 2017.
